Current evaluation and treatment of patients with swallowing disorders

To determine the varied causes of oropharyngeal dysphagia and their respect ive pathophysiology, a working understanding of the normal anatomy and func tion of the highly integrated mechanism of swallowing is outlined. This inf ormation is presented as the basis for a reasoned and detailed approach to the history, physical examination, and endoscopic evaluation of normal and altered oropharyngeal swallowing. The management of swallowing disorders de pends on the nature and magnitude of the responsible clinical condition. Co nservative and surgical approaches are discussed. These modalities and thei r indications are described in detail.